Fairies were creatures of Hobbit legend, only mentioned fleetingly.[1] If such creatures ever existed, it is possible that the Fairies of the Third Age were among the "servants and helpers" of the Maiar (mentioned in Elven chronicles)[2] — lesser spirits that would have remained in Middle-earth (and would thus be equivalent to the Sprites).

J.R.R. Tolkien's concept of Faërie uses a deliberate variant spelling of fairy. While both spellings derive from Middle Englishfaie ("possessing magical powers"), the name fairy carries connotations of 'prettiness'. Tolkien wanted to distance himself from this modern sense, and by using Faërie (variants included Faery and Fayery) he sought "connotations older and considerably darker".[6]